Classic Poem

The voice that breathed o'er Eden,
— That earliest wedding-day,
The primal marriage blessing,
— It hath not passed away.

Still in the pure espousal
— Of Christian man and maid,
The holy Three are with us,
— The threefold grace is said.

For dower of blessed children,
— For love and faith's sweet sake,
For high mysterious union,
— Which naught on earth may break.

Be present, awful Father,
— To give away this bride,
As Eve thou gav'st to Adam
— Out of his own pierced side:

Be present, Son of Mary,
— To join their loving hands,
As thou didst bind two natures
— In thine eternal bands:

Be present, Holiest Spirit,
— To bless them as they kneel,
As thou for Christ, the Bridegroom,
— The heavenly Spouse dost seal.

Oh, spread thy pure wing o'er them,
— Let no ill power find place,
When onward to thine altar
— The hallowed path they trace,

To cast their crowns before thee
— In perfect sacrifice,
Till to the home of gladness
— With Christ's own Bride they rise. A MEN .